What are the Landlord Bed Bug Laws in Colorado?

If you are a landlord in Colorado, you have many responsibilities. Our Colorado landlord-tenant lawyer outlines what you need to know about bed bug laws.

If you are the landlord of any rental unit, it is your legal obligation to understand the landlord bed bug laws in Colorado. If you do not and you fail to fulfill your legal duties, your tenant or any potential tenant can take legal action against you and hold you liable for paying damages. Below are the important landlord bed bug laws in Colorado under the Bed Bugs in Residential Premises Act.

Notice of Bed Bugs

Your tenants should inform you immediately of any presence of bed bugs in their rental unit. You can include in the lease how you would like to be contacted. After receiving this notice, you must provide the tenant with electronic or written notice before you or your inspection team enters the premises.

Your Response

After receiving notice of a bed bug problem, you have 96 hours to hire a bed bug control company that can inspect the premises and treat the unit if bed bugs are found. If bed bugs are present, you also have an obligation to inspect surrounding units to ensure the infestation has not spread.

Notice to Enter the Unit

Before any bed bug inspection will take place, you must provide the tenant with at least 48 hours notice that you will enter the premises, unless your lease specifies differently. Tenants are required to cooperate and not interfere with the inspection or treatment of bed bugs.

Reporting Results

After the inspection is complete, you must report the findings to your tenants within two business days. Inspectors must inform you within 24 hours if bed bugs are on the premises. If bed bugs are not found, the tenant should follow up with the health department if they have further concerns.

Take Action

If bed bugs are found in the rental unit, you have five business days to commence treatment to eradicate them. Under state law, you are bound by the professional inspector’s recommendations and must follow them accordingly. Tenants must also follow all instructions, such as washing clothing and fabrics and storing them in an airtight bag.

Payment Responsibility

As the landlord, you are responsible for paying all costs associated with inspecting and treating the premises for bed bugs. However, tenants are responsible for the cost of preparing for inspection, which may include cleaning the unit to minimize the potential for bed bugs and washing items.

Our Landlord-Tenant Lawyer in Colorado Can Provide the Representation You Need

Our Colorado landlord-tenant lawyer at Ceglian Law represents landlords, property owners, and homeowners’ associations. We offer a comprehensive lease package that clearly outlines the responsibilities of you and your tenants so your rights are protected and any future disputes are resolved as quickly as possible. Call us today to learn more about our lease package and to get the protection you and your rental property needs.